Millet and veggies: Your go‑to meal to beat the common cold
When you're hit with a cough, runny nose, and general weakness, it's important to support yourself with a good diet. Understandably, no one has the strength to cook complicated dishes at such times. However, this simple meal can really help. It takes less than a half-hour to prepare and is quick, simple, and extremely nutritious.
When we're sick, every meal matters. A proper diet can help you deal with the infection and its symptoms more quickly, but you need to know what to focus on.
The best idea
Millet is the first food we should consider when we're feeling weak. It's extremely nutritious and rich in B vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, and folic acid). Moreover, it's a source of valuable protein. Millet also contains essential minerals, providing the body with magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and silicon, which support the immune system. Furthermore, millet has warming properties, making the body more effective in fighting colds, particularly with a runny nose. It helps dry out the respiratory tracts and reduce nasal secretions.
Add vegetables
Although millet has a delicate, slightly nutty flavor, it's not the best meal on its own. It's worth adding vegetables to provide an additional source of vitamins. Consider pumpkin, as it is rich in potassium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Carrots are also a good choice, being high in beta-carotene and vitamins A and K. Beets, which are high in fiber, folic acid, and magnesium, along with sweet potatoes full of beta-carotene and vitamins, or red bell peppers, are also recommended.
Simply lay the selected vegetables on a large baking tray, drizzle generously with olive oil, and season with turmeric, cayenne pepper, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add your favorite herbs and garlic. Bake them for about 25 minutes until they are soft. A serving of millet with vegetables is the best meal during an infection.
Perfectly cooked
You can eat millet with vegetables several times a day during a cold. It's best to cook it all at once for the entire day. Start by rinsing it. The best way is to place millet on a sieve and rinse it several times under cold running water. Then, roast the millet in a dry pan for a few minutes until it acquires a slightly nutty aroma. This step enhances its flavor. Then it's time to cook—use two cups of water for each cup of millet. Cook the millet over low heat for about 15 minutes until it absorbs all the water. After cooking, let it sit covered for a few minutes so it becomes fluffier.
